Will Smith conquers 300-foot ice wall in ‘Pole to Pole’ premiere

Will Smith made a grand entrance into the world of National Geographic travel shows by embarking on a journey to the southernmost tip of the planet. But before he could reach the South Pole, he faced the challenge of conquering a massive 300-foot ice wall. This incredible feat was part of the season premiere of “Pole to Pole,” now available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+.

Teaming up with polar explorer and former rugby player Richard Parks, the West Philly native navigated the icy terrain of Antarctica. After Parks conquered the daunting ice wall, he dared Smith to follow suit. Braving harsh winds and freezing temperatures, Smith made it to the summit, sporting what he dubbed his frosty “explorer beard” as a badge of honor. This adrenaline-pumping adventure is just a taste of the action-packed stunts viewers can expect from the show, which also explores the Amazon rainforest and Himalayas across seven episodes.

Motivated by the passing of his mentor Dr. Allen Counter in 2017, Smith was inspired to create the show as a tribute to the man he fondly referred to as “Black Indiana Jones.” Counter, a Harvard neurobiologist and explorer, had invited Smith on numerous expeditions in the past, which the actor regrettably missed. “Pole to Pole” was Smith’s way of fulfilling his promise to Counter by embarking on a rugged 100-day journey across all seven continents, beginning at the South Pole and concluding at the North Pole.

Throughout the series, Smith engages with expert guides like Parks and specialists who shed light on the scientific significance of the diverse landscapes he encounters. For instance, in the premiere episode, climate science professor Heitor Evangelista explains the concept of “atmospheric rivers,” which are channels of water vapor in the atmosphere that transport precipitation across vast distances. He delves into the ice formations around the South Pole, revealing how they contain critical information about Earth’s history spanning nearly 1 million years.

As a host, Smith strikes a balance between being an eager learner and a jovial entertainer. Known for his quick wit and humor, he effortlessly blends educational insights with lighthearted banter. From cracking jokes to pondering the positioning of actors in map scenes, Smith’s charm and charisma shine through, even in the face of extreme conditions.

While “Pole to Pole” continues its weekly broadcast on National Geographic, viewers can catch four episodes on Hulu. The entire first season is also available for streaming on Disney+, offering audiences a front-row seat to Will Smith’s epic global odyssey.